Gibraltar, colloquially known as The Rock or Gib, is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Spain to the north; Morocco is a short distance over the sea to the south. It has a population of 30,000 people.

Gibraltar is a unique place for the curious traveller: a British community on the Iberian Peninsula, separated by a narrow gap of sea from Africa. The historic military legacy has created a veritable labyrinth inside "the Rock" itself, with many secret internal roads and tunnels and worth exploring. It is also worth climbing the Rock for its views and famous monkeys.

In Greek mythology Gibraltar was Calpe, one of the Pillars of Hercules, which marked the edge of the Mediterranean and the known world. In 711 Tariq ibn Ziyad, the Muslim governor of Tangier, landed at Gibraltar to launch the Islamic invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. The Rock took his name - Jabal Tariq (Mountain of Tariq) eventually became Gibraltar.

Strategically important for international shipping, Gibraltar was ceded to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht and was formally declared a British colony in 1830. Spain still claims sovereignty over this territory, although Gibraltarians consider themselves British with no apparent interest in rejoining Spain.

The topmost part of the Rock is still used as a British military installation, and off-limits to the public.

Gibraltar is not part of the Schengen Area or the European Customs Union. This means that there are immigration and customs controls when traveling between Spain and Gibraltar. Citizens of the European Union are required to have a national identity card or passport, while all others are required to have a passport to enter. The entry requirements for Gibraltar are not the same as the United Kingdom. Unless exempt from visa requirements, to enter Gibraltar you must have either a Gibraltar visa (to be applied for separately from a normal British visa at a British embassy/consulate), a UK visa valid for at least one year, or a UK permit of residence valid for at least 5 years. If arriving by air, Gibraltar airport staff will refuse entry to anyone who does not comply with these requirements.

Although entry into Gibraltar from a Schengen country will technically invalidate a single-entry Schengen visa, in practice passports are visually checked but not stamped on entry by land, and those with single-entry visas usually get re-admitted to Spain without any problems.

The most popular alternative airport for Gibraltar is Malaga Airport in Spain, some 120 km to the East, which offers a wide range of destinations. Malaga can be reached by bus, but there are only a few services available per day and the trip is approximately 3 hours. Jerez Airport is normally the second choice, despite being closer to Gibraltar.

Queues at the border may make it less time-consuming to park cars in La Línea and walk across. While there are charges for parking in La Linea immediately next to the border, there is free parking throughout town and next to the stadium if you are willing to walk an extra 1 km. Parking on the Spanish side of the border also has the advantage of avoiding Gibraltar's complex one way system with very narrow and badly signposted streets, and limited parking. The land border is open 24 hours a day, though expect delays when planes are landing - the only road into Gibraltar runs right across the airport runway!

Motorists, and on occasion pedestrians, crossing the border with Spain have been subjected to long delays and searches by the Spanish authorities. Spain has closed the border during disputes or incidents involving the Gibraltar authorities.

Despite being an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, traffic in Gibraltar is on the right side of the road, the same with the rest of continental Europe.

At La Línea, Spain across the border, there are regular buses to and from Seville, Malaga, Cádiz, Granada and hourly to Algeciras (the latter one direct or with stops on the way). The station in La Línea is only a five minute walk from the border with Gibraltar.

The bus station in Algeciras is opposite the railway station. To go to the bus station from the harbour, turn left, walk along the main street for about 100m and then turn right. Continue about 200m along this street to the small building with railroads. There is a small sign for the bus stop. This bus can get you to La Línea for €2.35 (January 2013), and it goes every 30 minutes during the day. Some buses run non-stop while others make intermediate calls. In La Línea you will arrive at the bus station about 500m from the border with Gibraltar. In the summer it can take up to 2 hours to cross the border with a car.

There is no train station in Gibraltar. The nearest one is San Roque-La Linea, which itself is outside of La Linea proper, and about 15 km from the Gibraltar border. Both bus and taxi are available for the last leg to Gibraltar itself.

Gibraltar is less than 7 square kilometres, so much of it can be seen on foot. Bear in mind, though, that some of the roads (especially up to the Upper Rock) are very steep. Taxis will take the strain out of the climbs, and all the taxi drivers seem to know all the Barbary macaques by name. Additionally, buses can be a cheap option to expedite things.

Though Gibraltar's area is small - it is long and thin, so distances can be a bit further than expected. Buses can be paid in pounds or euros. For at least some routes, the option is either for a single journey, or a pass good for unlimited rides that day. government website. If planning to use the bus more than once, a 1-day pass is best. Of highest interest to the traveler is bus route #2, which in addition to going by the cable car station, is the *only* bus that visits Europa Point/returns from it - the southernmost point of Gibraltar, and the one with all the views of Africa.

Gibraltar's official language is English, although most local people also speak Spanish.

That said, most locals converse in Llanito, which is essentially a mix of Andalusian Spanish and British English, a creole unique to Gibraltar. Also keep in mind that many businesses such as cafes and restaurants employ monolingual Spanish workers from across the border. In restaurants, it may not be that different from dining in Spain, language wise.

The Mediterranean Steps - for those not afraid of walking (and with a head for heights), this is a walk that starts at Jew's Gate bird observatory (at the end of Engineer Road) and winds its way up the east side of the rock to the top. The views are fantastic, and the path underwent renovation work in 2007, so it is less treacherous than in the past. If you don't fancy the uphill struggle, you can always get the cable car up and then come down this way - however note, if trying to reach the steps from the cable car - there are *NO* signs posted on how to reach them until one has literally found the beginning of the steps. Make your way to the ape den, continue walking, then take the left (uphill) turn toward the military battery. The steps begin/end here. If unsure - ask along the way.

Stop by the tourist office in Casemates Square (if entering by land, this is immediately after passing through Landport tunnel). The tourist office will give you a map and recommend the following basic itinerary. Take bus #2 free of charge from Market Place (around the corner of the tourist office) to Europa Point. Take pictures and enjoy Europa Point with the rest of the tourists. Then take the bus back towards Market Place but get off at the cable cars. Ask the driver for help, but you will see the cable cars before the stop. Take the cable cars up to see the Upper Rock and Nature Preserve. Then take the cable car down and walk main street back to Landport tunnel.

Cable cars run from 9.30AM until 5.45PM to the Upper Rock, but the last car up the hill might leave as early as 17.00PM. A "cable car and apes" ticket costs £8 return, while a ticket including entrance to St. Michael's Cave and the Siege Tunnels costs £16. Entrance to each sight costs £8 without this ticket. Alternatively, a 'Taxi-Tour' (typically for 8 people in an MPV) will cost £16 for a 1.5 hr tour, and this includes the fees for entry to the Cave, tunnels and upper rock.

A very informative Historic Walking Guide to Gibraltar can be purchased online or in local book shops and provides an excellent companion for those wanting to enjoy Gibraltar's best sites on foot.

Dolphin Safari, 6 The Square, Marina Bay, (cross the runway and take the first exit at the roundabout on the other side of the runway down Bayside Road. Approximately 100 meters walk down a small road on the right just past the pay and display carpark where the sign reads Marina Bay. At the end of that road in the bottom left hand corner walk through the black iron gates to see the two gold dolphins and the check-in offices), ☎+350 200 71914. 10AM - 6PM. See the wild Common, Striped and Bottlenose dolphins of Gibraltar so close you could almost touch them. Sail in complete comfort, this boat has front-line cushioned seating and cushioned seating in the indoor observation lounge.£25pa - £15 pc.

The currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar pound (GIP) - equivalent in value to the British pound sterling. British pounds are accepted everywhere in Gibraltar, in addition to the local version.

Gibraltar pounds aren't accepted outside of Gibraltar - not even in the UK. If you are travelling to the UK you will be able to exchange them there at a bank for a service fee. If you are travelling elsewhere, then you may not be able to exchange them at all. Best to change any leftover Gibraltar pounds before leaving (free of charge to British pounds), and to ask shops to give your change in UK notes if you aren't going to spend them there.

Gibraltar coins are identical in denomination, colour and size to UK coins, and tend to circulate in the UK without question.

Most shops in Gibraltar will also accept U.S. dollars and Euros, with the risk of getting a poor rate of exchange. Government offices and post offices do not accept foreign currency.

Credit and debit cards are sometimes not accepted in some shops (especially restaurants).

Shops: Morrisons, Westside Road, Europort, ☎+350-20041114. Mon-Sat 08:00-22:00, Sun 08:00-20:00. Large supermarket, selection seems to be the same as in the UK

If you like to sit outside and watch the world go by, head for Casemates Square where a number of pubs & restaurants serve fairly similar meals, with the exception of Cafe Solo which serves good Italian food.

Irish Town, the road which runs parallel to Main Street has a number of bars, like The Clipper which has good food, friendly staff, and satellite television. They serve a hearty English breakfast. There is also Corks which serves more substantial lunches.

The Edinburgh Arms - The most southerly pub in Europe. Good food, draught Bass and many others on tap. Happy hour daily at 6PM. Full Sunday lunch available.

Queensway Quay is home to The Waterfront, which serves a good quality, if somewhat eclectic menu which ranges from steak to high quality local fish and Indian food. Casa Pepe's, on the other side of the marina is worth a splurge.

Marina Bay is home to several restaurants. Bianca's and Charlie's Tavern at Marina Bay are worth a visit, the former being very well known for its busy ambience. Marina Bay has recently also become home to Gibraltar's first Mexican restaurant.

Ocean Village, Gibraltar's newest marina, is an extension to Marina Bay. It is home to several new pubs and restaurants, including a Chinese, and an Indian.

O'Reilly's Situated on Leisure Island, part of the Ocean Village marina complex, the traditional Victorian Irish bar has been designed and built by Ireland's leading design teams.

The Gibraltar Arms is situated next to Stag Bros' at 184 Main Street, telephone 200 72133 or e-mail gibraltararms@events.gi and is open from 7.30am (9.30am on a Sunday) serving meals all day until late.

The Star Bar in Parliament Lane holds itself out as Gibraltar's Oldest bar. With a menu and drinks selection to appeal to most tastes the pub seeks to cater to a wide audience.

The Lord Nelson In Casemates Square, the official home of the Gibraltar Rugby Club and Live Music Venue Of The Year, top entertainment on stage every night. Offers free WiFi.

The Horseshoe 193 Main Street, near King St & Bombhouse Lane & Gibraltar Museum. Small pub with nice outdoor seating, decent prices, homemade pies on the menu, and offers the local beer Gibraltar IPA on tap. Free wifi, ask a staff member. "Jury's", a nice little cafe located on main street, near the Gibraltar Bookshop and Governor's House, has some very nice coffee, breakfasts, simple meals, and some sandwiches to go.

There are a number of kosher restaurants, bakeries and minimarkets in Gibraltar. Just ask around, and someone will point you in the right direction. Gibraltar is not the only place you could stock up on kosher food when you're travelling in the Costa del Sol; there are many kosher shops and restaurants in Marbella, Torremolinos and Málaga.

Emile Youth Hostel, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Rd (just off Casemates Square), ☎+350 51106 / +350 57686000FORMAT, fax: +350 51106, e-mail: emilehostel@yahoo.co.uk. Check-out: 10:30. A family-run hostel. It should be noted that the kitchen is not for guests use. Certainly not the best, but closest thing to the border. They also charge for washing clothes £5 and for the wireless internet £5. Well they will probably never change the wifi password: E244F2DDE8. Be sure to type it with caps. You are not allowed to bring your own food into the hostel (probably because they have their own cafe). Although expensive, it's a quiet place near the border.Rates from £18 for a bed in a dorm, £25 for a single room. Cash only.

The Cannon Hotel, 9 Cannon Ln (Just off the middle of Main Street), ☎+350-20051711. Breakfast from 08:30 to 10:00.Rates starting at £30.00 for a single room with a shared bathroom, including breakfast and wifi.

The Queens Hotel, 1 Boyd St (At the south entrance to Main Street), ☎+350-20074000, +350-20041682, e-mail: queenshotel@gibtelecom.net. Marketing themselves as "Gibraltar's 'only' Budget Hotel" (not what category they'd put the Cannon in). There is breakfast, internet and AC included in the price, every room has TV. It's very close to bus stop, so you can take bus to Europa Point, and get out near cable car station.Single room £60, double £70, sea view costs extra.

The Rock Hotel, 3 Europa Rd (About 400 metres south of the Entrance to Main Street, up a fairly steep hill), ☎+350-20073000, +350-20073513, e-mail: reservations@rockhotel.gi. Not as central as some of the others mentioned here, but has great views of the bay. It's one of the more expensive hotels in Gibraltar and was where John Lennon and Yoko Ono got married. All rooms have a sea view.Rooms from £160.

Gibraltar's international telephone code is +350. All landline numbers in Gibraltar have been prefixed with 200 since 2008, making all numbers 8-digit long now. If you come across with a 5-digit number, just prefix it with 200 (and, of course, with the country code prior to that if you are calling from out of Gibraltar).

The prefix to dial prior to country code for international calls is 00 in Gibraltar.

Gibraltar has a low crime rate and a large and efficient police force to ensure it stays that way.

There are a few recent reports, however, of people being attacked on the Spanish side of the border while returning to Gibraltar on foot late at night. It might be smart to take a taxi home after dark if you have been drinking at the bars in Spain, especially if you are by yourself.

Gibraltar is part of the European Health Insurance Scheme and has a health service similar to the United Kingdom, with a modern hospital. If you are from a participating country, your EHIC card will entitle you to full free emergency medical treatment.

Tourists should be aware that the Barbary macaques are wild animals and do bite. It is advisable not to feed the Barbary macaque, despite encouragement from irresponsible taxi drivers. In addition, there are kiosks recklessly selling 'monkey food', further encouraging this. It is indeed illegal (hefty fines are in force) and bad for their health. Never try to pick up a baby Barbary macaque - its mother will not be happy, and neither will you. If you are bitten by a Barbary macaque, you will require hospital treatment. Whilst the Barbary macaques are rabies-free they can infect you with hepatitis, and they are most aggressive on the top of the rock, as the most successful animals claim the uppermost reaches of the rock, with their less successful fellows being shoved down the rock and the social pecking order.

People from Gibraltar refer to themselves as Gibraltarian or 'Llanito' pronounced Ya-ni-to. Even though the vast majority of Gibraltarians speak Spanish (with a local dialect), they are easily offended if referred to as Spanish because they regard themselves as Gibraltarians and are very proud of their identity. In fact, Gibraltarians have voted overwhelmingly to remain British in several referendums. Some Gibraltarians also feel sensitive to the erroneous use of the term 'colony' due to its connotations of being a deposited population or ruled by a foreign country or lacking in self-government, none of which apply to Gibraltar either now or historically. Additionally, the term 'colony' is legally incorrect; it is a 'British Overseas Territory'. The term 'colony' wasn't used in reference to Gibraltar until the 1830s, at which time there were other places that were colonies and Gibraltar was grouped with them under the term colonies, despite the circumstances being different.

Although the popular view is that the Spanish Government is the cause of many problems concerning Gibraltar, there is no animosity directed by Gibraltarians towards Spanish individuals in general; Spanish tourists and workers experience no problems. Recent airport agreements have opened up the relationship Gibraltar has with Spain.